regular VS. car top tent

[gavman]

Dragging this thread out of the dungeon (5 star thread).
My wife and i just spent our first night in an overland by Autohome and i have to say it was the best most comfortable nights sleep we have had to date when camping.
Got it used in great shape for a good price and well

If you're on the fence about these things i say go for it, you will not regret it

 

[Otto Von Squiggy]

Dragging this thread out of the dungeon (5 star thread).
My wife and i just spent our first night in an overland by Autohome and i have to say it was the best most comfortable nights sleep we have had to date when camping.
Got it used in great shape for a good price and well

If you're on the fence about these things i say go for it, you will not regret it

you cant just say its great and not post a picture!

we want a picture!!!!

 

[DiHrdBowTi]

I love my roof top tent. I bought my trailer with a small rtt attached. It was an option form 4x4trailer.com (no longer in business) and the guy that I got it from never used it. It sat for a year in his garage. As I am 6'4 260lbs I upgraded to the Autohome Maggiolina Grand Tour and I love it. My 8 year old son can set the tent up by himself. I'm not a hiker and so I don't care about weight. Besides the trailer gets to haul the camping gear and leave in the inside of my 40 or my Yukon clear for whatever. It's just as easy to get in out out for me but then the height isn't as high as the top of a car. Leveling is pretty easy for me. I have a 2ft level that I carry and have those lego blocks for the side to side and an adjustable leg in front and back. This past summer my 70 year old 6'5 dad slept in in with me for several nights. It was much easier for him to get in and out of than for him to get up off the ground every morning. I like that I can unhook teh trailer if I need and go fishing or whatever and leave camp set up. I think my whole set up weighs less than 1000 lbs. Here are a few pics from a 2 week trip last year from Reno to the Ca. coast up into Oregon to Washington to eastern Oregon then Idaho before coming home to Reno.

 

[GadgetPhreak]

I love my roof top tent. I bought my trailer with a small rtt attached. It was an option form 4x4trailer.com (no longer in business) and the guy that I got it from never used it. It sat for a year in his garage. As I am 6'4 260lbs I upgraded to the Autohome Maggiolina Grand Tour and I love it. My 8 year old son can set the tent up by himself. I'm not a hiker and so I don't care about weight. Besides the trailer gets to haul the camping gear and leave in the inside of my 40 or my Yukon clear for whatever. It's just as easy to get in out out for me but then the height isn't as high as the top of a car. Leveling is pretty easy for me. I have a 2ft level that I carry and have those lego blocks for the side to side and an adjustable leg in front and back. This past summer my 70 year old 6'5 dad slept in in with me for several nights. It was much easier for him to get in and out of than for him to get up off the ground every morning. I like that I can unhook teh trailer if I need and go fishing or whatever and leave camp set up. I think my whole set up weighs less than 1000 lbs. Here are a few pics from a 2 week trip last year from Reno to the Ca. coast up into Oregon to Washington to eastern Oregon then Idaho before coming home to Reno.

Nice set-up...

 

[spressomon]

I love my roof top tent. I bought my trailer with a small rtt attached. It was an option form 4x4trailer.com (no longer in business) and the guy that I got it from never used it. It sat for a year in his garage. As I am 6'4 260lbs I upgraded to the Autohome Maggiolina Grand Tour and I love it. My 8 year old son can set the tent up by himself. I'm not a hiker and so I don't care about weight. Besides the trailer gets to haul the camping gear and leave in the inside of my 40 or my Yukon clear for whatever. It's just as easy to get in out out for me but then the height isn't as high as the top of a car. Leveling is pretty easy for me. I have a 2ft level that I carry and have those lego blocks for the side to side and an adjustable leg in front and back. This past summer my 70 year old 6'5 dad slept in in with me for several nights. It was much easier for him to get in and out of than for him to get up off the ground every morning. I like that I can unhook teh trailer if I need and go fishing or whatever and leave camp set up. I think my whole set up weighs less than 1000 lbs. Here are a few pics from a 2 week trip last year from Reno to the Ca. coast up into Oregon to Washington to eastern Oregon then Idaho before coming home to Reno.

Looks like you have the Large GT. I traded (thanks MUCHO Mike!!!) the Overland XL Autohome for my current Maggiolina GT Medium: Love it!!! It sleeps quite a bit warmer and quieter. I need to get a warmer temp rated sleeping bag now! I wanted the Large mainly for the additional length...but it just wouldn't fit that well atop my AT Horizon. But don't regret the upgrade for sure!

We (Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada aka BBCNN: https://forum.ih8mud.com/forumdisplay.php?f=60) have done several multi-day excursions in Nevada 'outback' this year...you don't have to own a Land Cruiser to come out on our runs.

 

[DiHrdBowTi]

You know spressomon I was just commenting to my girlfriend that you had a similar set up as ours as far as the trailer goes. I was reading your "future run" post on BBCNN's forum page and showing her your pics. She wants to go where you were. I'll have to stop by the club meeting and get directions.

The tent that came with the trailer was the Maggiolina Extreme. It was too short for me so the upgrade to the GT. Here is a link to what the trailer/tent looked like when I got it two years ago. http://bagjelly.no-ip.com/trailer/trailerpix.htm

 

[hoser]

Can anybody with a Maggiolina or better yet, Columbus tent comment on the amount of light that comes in through the cloth walls? I prefer it to be dark and have heard the fabric is not as "opaque" as that of eezi-awn, hannibal and the likes.

 

[cpg]

Can anybody with a Maggiolina or better yet, Columbus tent comment on the amount of light that comes in through the cloth walls? I prefer it to be dark and have heard the fabric is not as "opaque" as that of eezi-awn, hannibal and the likes.

There are plenty around the bay area. Take some time and look for your self.
I have the coulmbus you are welcome to take a look.

 

[spressomon]

Can anybody with a Maggiolina or better yet, Columbus tent comment on the amount of light that comes in through the cloth walls? I prefer it to be dark and have heard the fabric is not as "opaque" as that of eezi-awn, hannibal and the likes.

As dark or darker than my Overland...which is a light forbidding RTT! IOW if you don't have one of the windows or doors open you can't really tell what time it is .

 

[spressomon]

You know spressomon I was just commenting to my girlfriend that you had a similar set up as ours as far as the trailer goes. I was reading your "future run" post on BBCNN's forum page and showing her your pics. She wants to go where you were. I'll have to stop by the club meeting and get directions.

The tent that came with the trailer was the Maggiolina Extreme. It was too short for me so the upgrade to the GT. Here is a link to what the trailer/tent looked like when I got it two years ago. http://bagjelly.no-ip.com/trailer/trailerpix.htm

It'd be better post hunting season .

 

[sandcruiser]

the maggiolina walls are very close to opaque. Darker than any nylon tent I've ever used.

 

[hoser]

Thanks guys. I can't think of anymore reasons not to get a Columbus.

 

[spressomon]

Thanks guys. I can't think of anymore reasons not to get a Columbus.

You and the Mrs. are short enough...the Columbus would be ideal! Carbon of course...right?! ;p

 

[Mike S]

You know spressomon I was just commenting to my girlfriend that you had a similar set up as ours as far as the trailer goes. I was reading your "future run" post on BBCNN's forum page and showing her your pics. She wants to go where you were. I'll have to stop by the club meeting and get directions.

The tent that came with the trailer was the Maggiolina Extreme. It was too short for me so the upgrade to the GT. Here is a link to what the trailer/tent looked like when I got it two years ago. http://bagjelly.no-ip.com/trailer/trailerpix.htm

FYI -- The tent that was supplied with your trailer was a Maggiolina Adventure. This tent, in size small, is quite a bit shorter than a standard Maggilolina AirLand, Extreme, or Grand Tour. We no longer import this model. The three standard Maggiolinas that we currently offer are all 83" long in small and medium sizes. The large Maggiolinas are 87" long.

I like your trailer!

Mike S

 

[jonladd]

I have an Extreme and my wife and I sleep well up there. I'm 6' tall and find if put some foam in the space at my feet (where the lifting system is) its plenty long enough. I keep the foam in the tent when its closed.

I also mounted awning track down the sides of the Extreme and used Sunbrella material to make awnings on each side that extend 60" out. This system works well and everything can be stowed away inside the box.

We've traveled all over the US on long vacations and we both love the Extreme. I made a custom aluminum roof platform on my Honda Element for it to live on:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9409&d=1130857264

With Extreme on top:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9763&d=1131638554

Thread:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11526&page=6

Hopefully I can get some pics of the awning up soon.
Thanks for the time,
Jon

Edited because I confused the models. I purchased the Extreme instead of the Adventure.

 

[cpg]

I have an Adventure and my wife and I sleep well up there. I'm 6' tall and find if put some foam in the space at my feet (where the lifting system is) its plenty long enough. I keep the foam in the tent when its closed.

I also mounted awning track down the sides of the Adventure and used Sunbrella material to make awnings on each side that extend 60" out. This system works well and everything can be stowed away inside the box.

We've traveled all over the US on long vacations and we both love the Adventure. I made a custom aluminum roof platform on my Honda Element for it to live on:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9409&d=1130857264

With Adv on top:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9763&d=1131638554

Thread:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11526&page=6

Hopefully I can get some pics of the awning up soon.
Thanks for the time,
Jon

Very nice!

 

[spressomon]

I have an Extreme and my wife and I sleep well up there. I'm 6' tall and find if put some foam in the space at my feet (where the lifting system is) its plenty long enough. I keep the foam in the tent when its closed.

I also mounted awning track down the sides of the Extreme and used Sunbrella material to make awnings on each side that extend 60" out. This system works well and everything can be stowed away inside the box.

We've traveled all over the US on long vacations and we both love the Extreme. I made a custom aluminum roof platform on my Honda Element for it to live on:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9409&d=1130857264

With Extreme on top:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9763&d=1131638554

Thread:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11526&page=6

Hopefully I can get some pics of the awning up soon.
Thanks for the time,
Jon

Edited because I confused the models. I purchased the Extreme instead of the Adventure.

jonladd: I'd appreciate pics of your awning creation...I have been spooling a simple awning idea for the past several weeks for my Maggiolina!

 

[jonladd]

I used this type Awning Track[FONT=Tahoma,arial] (A52-1276)[/FONT] and Welt [FONT=Tahoma,arial](V15-0034BKA)[/FONT]
http://www.morseindustries.com/products.cfm?productkey=1035&productgroupkey=10&categoryid=3
The track is aluminum and I pop riveted it (every 6") onto the Extreme's upper half shell. Track is 6' long and mounted just above the lip that runs the length on each side. The pop rivets do not protrude inside the tent sleeping/finished area. They are 3/8" long and protrude inside the area between where the fabric walls attach at the top and the lower lip of the top. There is no chance of leaking into the sleeping area because they didn't violate it. The rivets are backed with washers to disperse the stress. A bead of Plumber's Goop between the track and tent made a water tight seal. I also have no conflicts or buzzing bits when shutting the tent either. I lamented for years over this and have no regrets now that I've done it. Things worked out first rate.

The Sunbrella material is sewn to the welt and it slides into the track just like a sail.

I support the awning with poles that go back to the roof rack. I didn't want any stakes or ropes running down to the ground. Instead they run back to the wheel wells of the vehicle. This way if the wind blows and the car rocks the awnings stay fixed with the car and don't pull against immobile objects. I have tried it out in a good breeze and it looks like it works quite fine. So far I have only made things out of PVC but that is going to change to aluminum tubing in the final version. I may use marine deck hinges and similar hardware for the stationary points.

I will get the camera out and take some pics of the prototype setup.

I have also put a marine electrical feed threw plug on the tents lower rear. Inside I made a breakout box that I can plug in 12vdc devices (fans, lights, radios). I can either plug it into the car or where there's 110vac I use a 1 amp 12vdc power supply. I replaced the tents light with an LED unit and the fan I have is ultra low power. It all seems to work quite well.

Chow,
Jon

 

[spressomon]

I used this type Awning Track[FONT=Tahoma,arial] (A52-1276)[/FONT] and Welt [FONT=Tahoma,arial](V15-0034BKA)[/FONT]
http://www.morseindustries.com/products.cfm?productkey=1035&productgroupkey=10&categoryid=3
The track is aluminum and I pop riveted it (every 6") onto the Extreme's upper half shell. Track is 6' long and mounted just above the lip that runs the length on each side. The pop rivets do not protrude inside the tent sleeping/finished area. They are 3/8" long and protrude inside the area between where the fabric walls attach at the top and the lower lip of the top. There is no change of leaking into the sleeping area because they didn't violate it. The rivets are backed with washers to disperse the stress. A bead of Plumber's Goop between the track and tent made a water tight seal. I also have no conflicts or buzzing bits when shutting the tent either. I lamented for years over this and have no regrets now that I've done it. Things worked out first rate.

The Sunbrella material is sewn to the welt and it slides into the track just like a sail.

I support the awning with poles that go back to the roof rack. I didn't want any stakes or ropes running down to the ground. Instead they run back to the wheel wells of the vehicle. This way if the wind blows and the car rocks the awnings stay fixed with the car and don't pull against immobile objects. I have tried it out in a good breeze and it looks like it works quite fine. So far I have only made things out of PVC but that is going to change to aluminum tubing in the final version. I may use marine deck hinges and similar hardware for the stationary points.

I will get the camera out and take some pics of the prototype setup.

I have also put a marine electrical feed through plug on the tents lower rear. Inside I made a breakout box that I can plug in 12 devices (fans, lights, radios). I can either plug it into the car or where there's 110vac I use a 1 amp 12v power supply. I replaced the tents light with an LED unit and the fan I have is ultra low power. It all seems to work quite well.

Chow,
Jon

Perfect! That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

 

[DiHrdBowTi]

FYI -- The tent that was supplied with your trailer was a Maggiolina Adventure. This tent, in size small, is quite a bit shorter than a standard Maggilolina AirLand, Extreme, or Grand Tour. We no longer import this model. The three standard Maggiolinas that we currently offer are all 83" long in small and medium sizes. The large Maggiolinas are 87" long.

I like your trailer!

Mike S

Thanks Mike